China: Educating employers

Rural surplus labour situations are forcing many people to migrate to cities and non-agriculture industries throughout China. But they are encountering many problems and abuses: They find little or no protection in their workplace; payment of wages is delayed; fees are collected illegally; employers confiscate their ID cards, thus limiting their freedom of movement; they are forced to work long hours; some are forced to do jobs they don’t want. Many opt to leave these situations, only to find themselves worse off.

A study of employers in Kunming City revealed a tremendous lack of awareness on labour laws and proper employment practices as well as human trafficking issues – making them a part of the problem.